The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in its latest report stated that the tragedy in the colony in Olenivka did not occur as a result of the launch of the HIMARS missile by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

“With respect to the explosions which killed at least 51 Ukrainian POWs and injured at least 139 during the night of 28–29 July 2022 at the penal colony near Olenivka, in Russian-occupied Donetsk region, OHCHR assessed that the incidentwas not the result of HIMARS rockets launched by Ukrainian armed forces. Analysis of available photographic and video footage found that the damage to the barracks appeared consistent with a projected ordnance originating from the east,” the report reads.

The OCHCHR notes that the Russian Federation held POWs in the colony in close proximity to the frontline, exposing them to dangers of the hostilities contrary to international humanitarian law (IHL) provisions relating to security of POWs.

“A comprehensive and impartial investigation is required, including necessary access by international investigators to the site,” the OHCHR said.